In about two weeks, my husband and I will move to the Detroit area for about a year for an interim ministry position. Not quite ready to give up the people and things I love in Memphis, I’m thinking of this as an extended “field trip,” a chance to study the various kinds of snow and the flora and fauna of the Great Lakes region.
With all moves, I worry about really important things like: “Is there a TJ Maxx or a Trader Joe’s?” “Will I find a dentist I like?” And the number one priority: “Who will do my hair?” Somehow I don’t think these questions fit in the WWJD category.
When I think of what Jesus would do in this situation, I remember what my friend Page in Ohio said to me many years ago. “When I move to a new place, I always pray for a friend who is older than I am–someone who is wiser and a little further along the journey of life.” Page was that person for me. Now every time I move, I pray for an older friend. Everywhere I have lived God has answered the prayer–sometimes twofold or threefold. “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” (Proverbs 18:24, The Message) From Maine to Florida to the Mississippi River, these friends have stuck by me.
Michael W. Smith’s song called Friends sums it up for me.
I hope that you will like it in this part of the country; I live in Toledo, Ohio, about an hour south of Detroit. I’m fond of the change of seasons (even though I occasionally get crabby about winters and summers) and love being so close to Lake Erie. May you have a smooth transition and move!
Thank you! I’m looking forward to being in the North/Midwest again. We lived in Cleveland for 10 years a long time ago. I still have my winter boots–they’re a bit crunchy though….
Hi Sybil, I know the feeling too. We tend to move after about ten to fifteen years in one place, when my husband
gets restless. I also have a godly spiritfilled friend to exort
and encourage me. I’m so blessed to call her my friend.
I’m so glad that God always goes with me,He reminds me:
My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.
I will never leave you or forsake you.
Keep us updated on your adventure and know that there many of us praying for you. God Bless You.
Welcome to Michigan! I think you will find many people, places and things to love about our state. Some of us are even learning how to pray in color. I’m looking forward to sharing your ideas with our confirmation class.
I’m liking MI so far. Thanks for the welcome! God’s Peace. Sybil